​

Literature Support CODING Digital environment for Primary Grades on itslearning

​

​

In order to be successful in implementing Coding for primary grades it is important to understand what coding is and is not.

 

According to Jane Krauss and Kiki Protsman authors of Computational Thinking{and Coding} for Every Students, 2017, CODING is an entry level of programming. To introduce CODING to primary grade students require us to create an environment that enables active learning. Teachers and students need to have authentic hands on experiences in computational thinking to develop   problem solving skills, collaboration, creativity and persistence.

​

"I don't think everyone will be a coder but the ability to structure your thinking in a way a computer understands it will be one of the core future skills whatever your field" Linda Lukas author of Hello Ruby and founder of Rials Girls Coding Community.

​

And this why CODING should be taught in schools alongside CORE subjects. It will be a future skill that our students will need in their fields of work  for the future, whichever path they take.

​

The 2017 Horizon report for k-12 states that Schools are prioritizing computational thinking in the curriculum.

 

• Developing skills that enable learners to use computers to gather data, break it down into smaller parts, and analyze patterns will be an increasing necessity to succeed in our digital world.

• Under the umbrella of STEAM education many initiatives are happening all around our country based on learner center programs where students develop critical thinking skills needed to be successful in our ever changing and competitive world.

​

To introduce CODING to students we first need to introduce CODING to Teachers. One step in that  direction is to create a collaborative environment where Coding and Computer science can be shared experiences, resources and lesson plans. This environment should be open and can be improved on.  In our district we have such an environment in itslearning. Multiple people can work within it at once; users can leave evidence of their thoughts, and reflections, can start conversations with others; and user can find in any location at any time.

​

2017 Horizon report for k-12 elaborates that traditionally, a learning environment has been a physical space, but the idea of what constitutes a learning environment is changing. The “spaces” where teachers and students learn are becoming more community-driven, interdisciplinary, and supported by technologies that engage virtual communication and collaboration.

​

​

The No teacher left behind article in Educase points out that to be successful in an implementation  of any innovation plans that include technology:

 

• Observing other faculty while they use technology applications in the classroom in interesting ways.

• Actually completing assignments and engaging in course activities that require technology skills.

 

Even though as Teachers we struggle and problem solve every day, for some the challenge of  Coding or Computational Thinking incorporated into their lesson plans can  be paralyzing.

 

Krauss and Prottsman (2017) invites Teachers to try out different challenges before they start teaching to create positive personal experiences.

​

We need to start creating at least Coding literacy among our Teachers so they can in return teach and use it  our primary grade students. Coding literacy at its base level can also help students build transferable skills. 

 

This Innovation Proposal seeks to create such  Coding literacy within the basic language of Coding and Computational Thinking and then apply these fundamental concepts  with unplugged activities using Coding Books specially developed for this audience and simple plugged activities to engage small children to find patterns, decompose and be open minded as they problem solve.